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Everyone is different. We have different shoe sizes, different clothing sizes, different tastes in music, different interests and different care needs. We can buy bigger shoes or switch to a different radio station so why, when it comes to our care, are we content with taking what we’re offered?
Your Routine
We all have a natural routine and whilst some care homes are flexible enough to offer a window during when meals can be taken those two hours may not match up with when you are hungry. And of course they may not offer anything you fancy eating! A huge benefit of live in care is that you can stick to the routine you are accustomed to. So if that means eating cornflakes at 11am then that’s exactly what you can do.
Familiar Surroundings
Although you may be able to move a few pieces of furniture into a care home you won’t be able to take a whole house’s worth of items. Plus you’ll have to learn your way around a new building, adapt to a different layout in your bedroom and remember lots of new faces. Even care homes that offer a “named carer” will have shift changes so you won’t always be able to get help from the same person.
Compare that to having a home help who lives in your home. Comfortable in your own home you’ll know where everything is and you’ll always know who’s going to be helping you – regardless of the time of day or night you need assistance.
Time for a nice cup of tea
Care home workers can be extremely busy as they tend to the needs of their residents. In some homes they barely have enough time to grab a cup of coffee during a shift – let alone sit down and have a nice chat. A live in carer can take the time to sit down with you and have a good old chinwag. Providing companionship is as much part of their job description as washing the dishes or helping you have a bath.
Just the way you like it
One to one care (or one to two if your live in carer cares for your partner as well) means your carer can really get to know your likes and dislikes, your personality and preferences. This means you can be sure your egg will be just the way you like it but more importantly it means they can spot early warning signs that your condition is worsening and ensure you get checked out. Elderly people with live in carers are far less likely to have falls, the biggest reason for hospital admissions. They’re also less likely to have complications such as pressure sores and, because they don’t live in a shared environment, are also less likely to suffer from tummy bugs, colds and flu.
So, if you want high quality, personalised care in the comfort of your own home you should consider in home care. It might provide everything you need as you age.
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